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Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS) is the sudden death of an infant under one year of age due to unexplained causes. Sadly, SIDS is still the number one killer of infants under age one—over 2,500 babies die each year.

So, what causes SIDS? Scientists don’t know, despite studying the problem for two decades. We do know that SIDS is a threat during the first year of life, with a peak occurrence between one and six months. SIDS also affects more boys than girls, and the SIDS rate in African American babies is twice that of Caucasians. Despite the mystery surrounding SIDS, researchers have discovered several factors that dramatically lower the risk of SIDS. Here is what you can do: 

1. Put your baby to sleep on her back. Infants should be placed on their back (not side or tummy) each time they go to sleep. Since the campaign to get parents to put baby to sleep on their backs began in 1991, the SIDS rate has fallen by 50%. That’s the good news. The bad news: while parents are heeding the message, other caregivers (That is, grandma or day care centers) are less vigilant. Be sure to tell all your baby’s caregivers that baby is to sleep on his back, never his tummy.
2. Encourage tummy time. When awake, baby should spend some time on their tummy. This helps prevent flat heads caused by lying on their backs (positional plagiocephaly). Very your child’s head position while sleeping (such as, turning his head to the right during one nap and then the left during the next nap). Minimize time spent in car seats (unless baby is in a car, of course!), wings, bouncer seats or carriers—any place baby is kept in a semi-upright position. A good goal: no more than an hour or two a day. To learn more about plagiocephaly, go online to plagiocephaly.org.
3. Forget gadgets. Special mattresses, sleep positioners, breathing monitors—none have been able to reduce the risk of SIDS, says the American Academy of Pediatrics. Just put baby to sleep on her back.
4. Use a pacifier. Consider giving baby a pacifier, which has been shown in studies to reduce the rate of SIDS. Why? Scientists don’t know exactly, but some speculate pacifiers help keep the airway open. Okay, we should acknowledge that pacifiers are controversial—key concerns include breastfeeding interference, tooth development and ear infections. But if you introduce the pacifier after breastfeeding is well-established (around one month), there are few problems. Stop using the pacifier after one year (when the SIDS risk declines) to prevent any dental problems. While pacifiers do increase the risk of ear infections, ear infections are rare in babies when the risk of SIDS is highest (under six months old). Bottom line: Use pacifiers at the same time of sleep starting at one month of life for breastfed babies. If the pacifiers falls out once the baby is asleep, don’t re-insert it. Stop using pacifiers once the risk of SIDS is over (about a year of life).
5. Don’t smoke or overheat the baby’s room. Smoking during pregnancy or after the baby is born has shown to increase the risk of SIDS. Keep baby’s room at a comfortable temperature, but don’t overheat (do not exceed 70 degrees in the winter; 78 in the summer). Use a sleep sack or swaddle baby in a blanket.
6. Bed sharing: bad. Room sharing: good. Why does bed sharing increase the risk of SIDS? Scientists say the risk of suffocation in adult linens (pillows, etc.) or entrapment between bed frame and mattress, or by family members is a major contributor to SIDS. That said, room sharing (having baby in the same room as the parents, either in a bassinet or a product like the Arm’s Reach Bedside co-sleeper) is shown to reduce the rate of SIDS. Again, researchers don’t know exactly why, but it’s possible parents are more attuned to their baby’s breathing when baby is nearby.
7. No soft bedding. Baby’s crib or bassinet should have a firm mattress and no soft bedding (quilts, pillows, stuffed animals, etc). Bumpers are optional—we will discuss this topic in the next chapter.

Make sure all other caregivers follow these instructions. Again, you might be vigilant about back-sleeping…but if another caregiver doesn’t follow the rules, your baby could be at risk. Make sure your day care provider, grandma or other caregiver is on board.

Excerpt taken from Baby Bargains by Denise & Alan Fields, “Chapter2: Nursery Necessities” pgs 90, 91. http://www.windsorpeak.com/babybargains/

Excerpt from Baby Bargains by Denise & Alan Fields

Smart Shopper Tips

Generally, we recommend dressing your child for comfort. At the same time, you need clothes that can withstand frequent washings. With this in mind, here are our suggestions for baby clothing:

1. See what you baby likes before investing in many garments. Don’t spend $90 on fancy sweaters, only to find baby prefers cotton Onesies.

2. We generally recommend 100% cotton clothing. Babies are most comfortable in clothing that breathes.

3. If your child develops a red, itchy rash, it could be an allergy. Culprits could include metal snaps on a t-shirt, zippers, or even the ink on tagless labels. One idea: consider alternatives such as shirts that have ties or that pull over the head. Stick with clothes that have plastic snaps and zippers.

4. In general, better-made clothes will have their snaps on a reinforced fabric brand. Snaps attached directly to the body of the fabric may tear the garment or rip off.

5. If you’re buying 100% cotton clothes, make sure they’re pre-shrunk. Some stores like Gymboree (see review later in this chapter), pre-wash their clothes to prevent shrinkage. With other brands, it’s hard to tell. Our advice: read the label. If it says, “wash in cold water” or “tumble dry low,” assume the garment will shrink (and hence buy a larger size). On the other hand, care instructions that advise “washing in warm water and tumble dry” usually indicate that the garment is already preshrunk.

6. Go for outfits with snaps and zippers on BOTH legs, not just one. Dual-leg snaps or zippers make it much easier to change a diaper. Always check a garment for diaper accessibility—some brands actually have no snaps or zippers, meaning you would have to completely undress your baby for a diaper change! Another pet peeve: garments that have snaps up the back also make diaper changes a big hassle.

7. Be aware that each company has its own warped idea about how to size baby clothes. See the box “One Size Does Not Fit All” earlier in this chapter for more details.

8. Beware of appliqués. Some appliqué work can be quite scratchy on the inside of the outfit (it rubs against baby’s skin).

9. Keep the tags and receipts. A reader emailed us her strategy for dealing with baby clothes that shrink: until she has a chance to wash the item, she keeps all the packaging, tags and receipts. If it shrinks, she returns it immediately.

Excerpt taken from Baby Bargains by Denise & Alan Fields, “Chapter 4: Clothes/Diapers” pg 179- 180. http://www.windsorpeak.com/babybargains/

If you’re new to this baby thing, you may be wondering how to pair the right clothing with your baby’s developmental stage (if you’re back for another round, think of this as a refresher). Here’s a little primer on ages and stages.

 ·          0-3 months: Newborns aren’t even lifting their heads and they aren’t able to do much besides eat, sleep and poop. Stick with sleepers, sleep sacks, and nightgowns for these guys. They don’t need overalls or shirts and pants. Look for items sized by weight if possible since 0-3 month sizes can be all over the board.

 ·         3-6 months: By the end of this stage your little one will be rolling over, sitting up and sleeping somewhat less. Still need those sleepers, but you’re probably going to expand the wardrobe to include a few more play clothes. Two new items you will need now: bib and socks. Depending on your baby’s growth, you may find that you’re buying nine and 12-month sizes.

 ·          6-12 months: Finally, your baby is crawling, standing, maybe even cruising. At the end of a year she’s likely tried those first tentative steps! Play clothes are a layette mainstay during these months. You’ll also need good, no-skid socks that stay on (or very flexible shoes). Again, you may find you’re buying into the 18-month sizes.

 Excerpt taken from Baby Bargains by Denise & Alan Fields, “Chapter 4: Clothes/Diapers” pg 173. http://www.windsorpeak.com/babybargains/  

1. Make sure low cabinets do not contain any cleaning products, sharp objects, or glassware that could break and cut baby. Secure locks such as, One Step Ahead,  help keep cabinets from being opened by tiny hands.
2. Keep your trash can in a locked cabinet or buy one heavy enough that baby can’t open the lid or topple it upon himself.
3. Pet food can be a choking hazard, keep food in a place where only Rufus can get to or make sure to put it away after your pet is finished eating.
4. Reduce possibility of electric shock by covering open outlets with covers such as Mommy’s Helper Outlet Plugs.
5. Drape and blind cords can be a strangulation hazard. Install cord cleats high enough so baby can’t reach.
6. Prevent Fall hazards by installing guards into the window frame.
7. Remove breakable objects from coffee & end tables. Use wrap around guards on low tables with sharp edges. If any tables double as storage, make sure child cannot open lid.
8. Keep plants out of reach of baby so she doesn’t eat the dirt or the plant.
9. Make sure all your smoke detectors and carbon monoxide detectors work.
10. Make sure your throw rugs and bath mats have nonskid bottoms. If not add a non stick rug pad.
11. Keep a lock on your toilet or the bathroom door. Children can drown in 1 to 2 inches of water.
12. Children like to climb. Use wall straps to attach heavy furniture like bookcases and dresses to the wall so they don’t fall on children. 

Throwing a baby shower for your friend or loved one can be fun and overwhelming at the same time. Our quick check list, timeline, and theme ideas will help make your job as the host a little easier. 

 Quick Baby Shower Check List:

1. Determine baby shower budget
2. Create guest list
3. Set date and location for baby shower
4. Decide on baby shower theme
5. Plan baby shower menu
6. Order decorations and party favors (don’t forget a diaper cake!)
7. Plan “schedule of events”
8. Be sure to have camera for pictures or recording
9. Check that new mommy has registered at her favorite baby store
10. Keep track of gifts while the new mommy is opening them in order to make sending thank you cards easy for mommy-to-be

 Simple Timeline for Baby Shower

1. Creative Sign in – Have a “sign in” where guests can write something creative for the new parents on a picture frame, guest book, etc.
2. Welcome Guests – Introduce the mother-to-be (and father if he is there) and thank everyone for coming. The mother-to-be may want to say something to the guests. Let everyone know to sign the guest book, etc. and to make sure they get food.
3. Shower Games – To help people mingle, have a few simple games that help people socialize. It’s best to have group games that don’t mandate everyone to participate in case some prefer to be spectators.
4. Dessert – While everyone is enjoying tasty desserts, people can give funny or sentimental advice to the parent(s)-to-be.
5.  Gift Opening - It is customary to open gifts while the guests are still present. It’s helpful for the shower host or someone to take notes so the parent(s)-to-be can send thank you notes later.
6. Gift Giving – It is customary for the new parent(s) to give the shower host a thank you gift. Now is also the time to thank everyone for their generosity and support.
7. Wrap up – As people begin to leave, it is helpful to help with clean up and carrying gifts to the car if the new parent(s) drove.

 *The internet is your best friend when planning a baby shower. Search for baby shower themes, games, food, and other ideas.

 Baby Shower Theme Ideas: (Have the cake, party favors, decorations, etc. stem from one main theme)

• Stork
• Polka Dots
• Teddy Bears
• Luau
• Noah’s Ark
• Tea Party
• Happy Moon & Stars
• Ducks
• Baby Bassinets/Carriages
• Baby footprints and/or handprints
• Hearts
• Two peas in a pod (or more if mommy is expecting multiples)
• Nursery Rhymes
• Born to Rock (Rock themed party) 

 Especially for Boys

• Trucks
• Trains
• Cowboys
• Blue Bears
• Sports

 Especially for Girls

• Princess
• Butterflies
• Flowers
• Little Diva
• Pink Bears

Managing multiples becomes a whole lot easier if you have the right equipment. The following is a list of items that make parenting two or more much more manageable.

• backpack-style diaper bag to keep your hands free when out
• double stroller frame for two infant car seats
• infant carrier so you can hold one twin hands-free
• notebook to keep track of your twins’ feedings and elimination
• nursing pillow to support your twins while feeding
• play yard to use for sleeping and as a safe place to keep your twins
• reclining double stroller to easily transport your twins while out and about
• subscription to TWINS magazine

By the Numbers

In the first two months, parents of twins will:

• change 16 to 24 diapers each day
• use 960 to 1,440 disposable diapers
• feed each twin 8 times per 24-hour period
• wash 992 bottles
• use 2,000–3,000 wipes
• use 2,108–3,968 ounces of formula

Want the complete list and much more? Check out Michelle LaRowe’s A Mom’s Ultimate book of Lists

*Excerpt taken from Michelle LaRowe, A Mom’s Ultimate Book of Lists, Revell, a division of Baker Publishing Group, January, 2010. Used by permission. All rights to this material are reserved. Material is not to be reproduced, scanned, copied, or distributed in any printed or electronic form without written permission from Baker Publishing Group.

It is very important to take certain factors into account when decorating your new baby’s room. Babies have specific needs that are very different from the needs of older children and adults. One of the most important parts of deciding on a baby’s bedroom décor is how you select the window treatments.

• The window treatments in your baby’s room are going to control how much natural light is let in through the window. Obviously, trying to get a baby to sleep during the bright light of day is very difficult if you don’t have something covering the window. Your options here are going to depend on where in the house your baby’s room is located. White sheer curtains should be sufficient if the baby’s window does not receive direct sunlight at any point during the day. However, if it does, it is probably best to go with a heavier, dark-colored curtain instead.

• Another thing to take into consideration is noise. This may not be a problem if you live in a more rural area, but if you live in a big city and your baby’s window faces the street, noise reduction is definitely needed. There is no such thing as a soundproof curtain, but curtains made from felt or velvet have been found to reduce noise. The only downside to noise reduction curtains is that they aren’t that elegant looking and tend to be rather expensive.

• The last (and most important) factor to take into consideration when deciding on window treatments for your baby’s bedroom is safety. You want to avoid floor length, trailing curtains pooling or lying in a puddle on the floor as the baby might try to pull up on them. Also, stay away from anything that comes with a long cord as there have been a number of cases of children accidentally strangling themselves on the cords that are used to control blinds and shades.

• Finally, always make sure there are no loose hardware pieces, holdbacks or curtain rods that could fall on your child.

Special thanks to Horizon Window Treatments for their expertise in writing this article